PRI's The World: 03/04/2014

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has been speaking out, defending his actions. And, Secretary of State John Kerry showed up in Kiev with a billion dollar aid package. Also, how Russians and Americans misunderstand each other over their differing answers to a simple question: How Are You? Plus, amid protests and a crime wave, why Venezuelans are connecting to the music of Caracas-based band La Vida Boheme.

Hugo Chavez was a larger-than-life political figure who served as Venezuela's president for 14 years, keeping a lid on protests and a difficult economy. His successor Nicolas Maduro has had anything but a smooth reign and Venezuela is now being compared to tumultuous counties like Syria and Ukraine.

Mohamed was important in Libyan's revolution, helping to defeat and ultimately capture Muammar Gaddafi. His younger brother missed out on Libya's revolution — so he decided to make his own fame by going to Syria to fight in the violent revolution there.

Despite Putin's claims to the contrary today, Russian soldiers in unmarked uniforms and vehicles are blocking Ukrainian bases in Crimea and demanding that Ukrainian soldiers hand over their weapons. And for the people, Russian passports are available for the asking.

Angela Merkel is a pivotal figure as the European Union attempts to defuse the crisis in Crimea and get Vladimir Putin to back down. The German Chancellor grew up in former Communist East Germany and her country is Russia's most important trading partner. But first, Europe needs a plan.

Russia paid dearly to stage a world-class Olympics — $50 billion — and remake its image as a modern, efficient and friendly nation. But its Olympic success is quickly being forgotten and tarnished by Russia's moves in Ukraine.

An album released by a Venezuelan band nearly a year ago is inspiring the growing protests in Venezuela. The group's lyrics seem to capture both the despair amidst the country's high crime, rising inflation and troubled economy and the hope for change.

Russia says it has a right to protect its interests and those of Russian-speakers in Ukraine. The US says Russia can't take matters into its own hands and needs to work through the UN. And Ukrainians just need help getting their country back on a political and economic footing.